16-year-old shot dead identified: City officials weigh in on how to curb gun violence
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A 16-year-old boy from Milwaukee who was shot and killed on Tuesday night has been identified as Zarion Zakee Waheed. He is the latest teen to lose his life because of gun violence.
The shooting happened around 6:42 p.m. on the evening of March 8 near 52nd and West Stark street. The Milwaukee Police Department said the teen suffered from a single shot wound which he succumbed to after being transported to a local hospital.
A community member said he called the police after he heard a loud noise that he said sounded like thunder. What transpired was a car that Waheed was in slammed into a tree, leaving evident damage.
Another neighbor who witness ambulance getting to the scene, Billy Mimis, said he was shocked to learn the victim was only 16-years-old.
"I got a 14 year old that’s in high school so that hits kind of to the heart," said Mimis.
According to the MPD, they've reported three teen deaths due to gun violence in 2022 so far. At the end of 2021, that number was 19.
CBS 58 spoke with government officials and asked what they will do to curb gun violence.
"I've continued to call for our partners in state government to help us to partner with us to make sure that people who should not have access to deadly firearms, that they don't have that access in the first place and then we won't see incidents like that happening in Milwaukee," said acting Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
Bob Donovan, who is also in the mayoral race, said he believes its going to take an increase of man power in the police department and detective bureau to help resort order and stability. He also said holding judges, district attorneys and criminals accountable can help, too.
Mimis said it's going to take a whole community effort to see change.
"I think there should be more mentoring to the kids. I know we have a lot of boys and girls clubs and things out here but I think a lot of these kids need something to get into," said Mimis.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting are still under investigation.
Anyone with any information on the homicide is asked to call Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360 or to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-Tips or use the P3 Tips app.